Islam: a religion of peace and justice

Islam is a religion of peace in the fullest sense of the word. The Quran calls its way "…The ways of peace…" [Quran: 5:16] It describes reconciliation as the best policy [Quran: 4:128], and states that God abhors any disturbance of peace [Quran: 2:205]

The root word of Islam is 'Silm', which means peace. So the spirit of Islam is the spirit of peace. The first
verse of the Quran breathes the spirit of peace; it reads: "In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate."

This verse is repeated in the Quran no less than 114 times. It shows the great importance Islam attaches to such values as Mercy and Compassion. One of God's names, according to the Quran, is As-Salaam, which means Peace. Moreover, the Quran states that the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was sent to the world as a mercy to mankind. [Quran: 21:107]

A perusal of the Quran shows that most verses of the Quran (and also the Hadeeth) are based on peace and kindness, either directly or indirectly. The ideal society, according to the Quran is Dar As-Salaam, that is, the house of peace [Quran: 10:25]
The Quran presents the universe as a model, which is characterised by harmony and peace [Quran: 36:40] When God created heaven and earth, He so ordered things that each part might perform its function peacefully without clashing with any other. The Quran tells us that "It is not allowable [i.e., possible] for the sun to reach the moon, nor does the night overtake the day, but each, in an orbit, is swimming." [Quran: 36:40] For billions of years, therefore, the entire universe has been fulfilling its function in total harmony with His divine plan.

According to Islam, peace is not simply an absence of war. Peace opens doors to all kinds of opportunities which are present in any given situation. It is only in a peaceful situation that planned activities are possible. It is for this reason that the Quran says: "…And settlement is best…" [Quran: 4:128] Similarly, Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) has observed: "God grants to gentleness (Rifq) what He does not grant to violence ('Unf). [Abu Daawood]

According to Islam, peace is the rule and war is only an exception. Even in defensive war we have to analyse its result; if the result is doubtful, Muslims should avoid war. Stray acts of aggression are not enough for Muslims to rush into war. They have to assess the whole situation and adopt a policy of avoidance when war is not certain to achieve a positive result.

In actual fact, the mission of all the Prophets from Aadam (Adam) to 'Eesaa (Jesus), may Allaah exalt their mention, was one and the same - of establishing the ideology of monotheism in the world, so that man might worship the One God alone. As we know, there came a large number of Prophets in ancient times but the message of monotheism remained at the initial stage; it could not culminate in revolution.

In ancient times, the system of monarchy was entrenched throughout the world. The kings, in order to secure their political interests, adopted the course of religious persecution. These kings suppressed all religious movements that were different from the state religion. They would nip all 'apostasy' in the bud since they saw religion as a matter of affirming one's loyalty to the state. If a person adhered to a religion other than the state religion, he was regarded as a rebel.

That is why in ancient times, prophetic movements could go no further than the state of Da'wah, or invitation to Islam. No sooner would a movement based on monotheism arise than the coercive political system would be activated to pull it out by its roots. The reason for the absence of any historical record of Prophets (besides the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention )) in antiquity is traceable to the intense opposition of these coercive political systems.

All the Prophets of ancient times, historically speaking, were like mythical beings, rather than real human beings accepted as historical figures. Prophet 'Eesaa (Jesus) may Allaah exalt his mention was the last link in the chain of these persecutions faced by the preachers of monotheism. Then God decreed the abolition of this coercive political system, even if it entailed the use of force in order that the age of religious persecution might be brought to an end forever, and replaced by the age of religious freedom. This Divine plan was brought to completion through the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and his companions may Allaah be pleased with them all. This is the command given in the Quran: "Fight them until there be no fitnah [i.e., persecution] and [until] the religion [i.e., worship], all of it, is for Allaah…" [Quran: 8:39]

Therefore, Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) received special divine succour in the form of a powerful team consisting of one hundred thousand individuals. Equipped with this team, the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) waged war to end this coercive system of religious persecution, and it was in Arabia that it was first of all overthrown. Then within a very short span of time, they advanced to abolish the coercive system established by the Sassanid and Byzantine empires.

In the wake of this Islamic action, the coercive system was abolished forever in the major part of the inhabited world of the time. This war waged by Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and his companions was not a war as is commonly understood, but rather a divine operation, which was carried out by people who possessed a high standard of moral character.

However, this operation was certainly only temporary in nature. Its goal was to put an end to the age of religious persecution and usher in the age of religious freedom. This end was fully achieved during the early period of Islam, the age of the pious Caliphs. Afterwards the time came to keep the sword in its sheath and engage in Da'wah work, that is, the call to God, which was the real and permanent goal of Islam.

It is no exaggeration to say that Islam and violence are contradictory to each other. The concept of Islamic violence is so obviously unfounded that, prima facie it stands rejected. The fact that violence is not sustainable in the present world is enough to convince one that violence, as a principle, is quite alien to the scheme of things in Islam. Islam claims to be an eternal religion and such a religion cannot afford a principle in its scheme which will not be sustainable in later periods of human history. An attempt to bracket violence with Islam amounts to casting doubts upon the very eternity of the Islamic religion.

No wonder then that the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) so earnestly used to entreat his Lord in his daily prayer: "O God, you are the original source of Peace; from You is all Peace, and to You returns all Peace. So, make us live with Peace; and let us enter paradise: the House of Peace. Blessed be You, our Lord, to whom belongs all Majesty and Honour!"

Summarised from: "The Man Islam Builds", by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
source : http://www.islamweb.net/

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Islamic Quotes & Other

Source http://xeniagreekmuslimah.wordpress.com/

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True Manhood in Islam

Allah, to Whom all praise and glory is due, says in Surah an-Noor, verse 37:

Men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving of zakah. They fear a Day in which the hearts and eyes will [fearfully] turn about.

And Allah says in Surah al-Ahzab, verse 23:

Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah . Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death], and among them is he who awaits [his chance]. And they did not alter [the terms of their commitment] by any alteration

It is narrated that Umar ibn Al-Khattab was sitting with some of the companions in a house in Medinah. He said to them, "Make a wish." One of them said, "I wish that this house was filled with gold so that I would spend it in the path of Allah." Another one said, "I wish this house was filled with diamonds so that I would spend it in the path of Allah." Umar repeated, "Make a wish." They said, "O leader of the faithful, what do you wish?" Umar said, "I wish that this house was filled with men like Abu Ubaidah ibn Al-Jarrah, Muadh ibn Jabal, Salem, the freed slave of Hudhaifah, and Hudhaifah bin Al-Yaman.

Dear brothers and sisters, our topic today is the concept of manhood in Islam. It includes the meaning of manhood, the characteristics of manhood, the misconceptions regarding manhood, and how to inculcate manhood in our kids.

Manhood implies those characteristics that are deemed praiseworthy by peopel of intellect and whose absence is worthy of blame, and those include good morals, determination, etc. Every man is not characterized as a true man. Sometimes, a woman may be better than ten men on account of her excellent morals and attributes!

Allah praised His prophets (peace be upon them) in the Qur'an, describing them as honorable persons who faced difficulties while following the religion of Allah, Islam. Allah says in Surah Yusuf, verse 109:

Allah sent not before you [as messengers] except men to whom We revealed from among the people of cities.

Manhood includes characteristics in a person that go beyond the characteristics of the body. A real person in Islam is the one imbued with beautiful morals and a pure heart. Sahal ibn Sa'ad narrated that a person passed by Muhammad (pbuh) and he (pbuh) asked his companions, "What do you say about this person?" They said, "He is a person that if he sends a proposal it will be accepted, and if he intercedes on behalf of someone, his intercession will be accepted, and if he says something, people will listen to him." Muhammad (pbuh) kept quiet. Then another person passed by from among the poor Muslims. He (pbuh) asked, "What do you say about this person?" The companions said, "He is a person that if he sends a proposal it will be rejected, and if he intercedes on behalf of someone his intercession will not be accepted, and if he says something the people will not listen to him." Muhammad (pbuh) said, "The likes of this (poor) person are better than the treasures of the earth." Here, Muhammad (pbuh) illustrates that manhood is not because of a strong body, noble descent, or wealth. Rather, manhood is on account of faith and good morals.

In Islam, manhood has several characteristics. We should know them in order that we strive for them, and those include the following:

1.     Determination and self-discipline.

Among the qualities of a true believer is that he overcomes his ego, which is always inclined to sin. So when your ego invites you to sin, be a man and overcome the desire of your ego. A true man overcomes his ego - his ego does not command him! This is particularly true for those of our youth, for whom the doors of sin are spread open, but they proclaim, "We fear Allah". They are the true men. When the wife of a great ruler of Egypt invited Joseph (pbuh) to commit adultery with her, he (pbuh) said, "I seek Allah's protection!"

2.     Persistence in remembering Allah.

Manhood implies that you do not acquire worldly pleasures and be forgetful of the Hereafter. Surah an-Noor, verses 36-37, reads:

[Such niches are] in mosques which Allah has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned therein; exalting Him within them in the morning and the evenings - [Are] men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving of zakah. They fear a Day in which the hearts and eyes will [fearfully] turn about.

Once, Muhammad (pbuh) was addressing the people from the podium, when a caravan approached. All the companions, except twelve of them, left him. He (pbuh) said, "By Allah, if you had also followed them, and none of you had remained behind, the valley with you would have filled with fire". Allah Almighty then revealed Surah al-Jumuah, verse 11, "But when they saw a transaction or a diversion, [O Muhammad], they rushed to it and left you standing. Say, "What is with Allah is better than diversion and than a transaction, and Allah is the best of providers."

3.     Among qualities of true men is that they prefer obedience to Allah and Muhammad (pbuh) to the love of their wealth and children. Allah says in Surah al-Kahf, verse 46, "Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope."

Muhammad (pbuh) also said, "Accumulate lasting righteous deeds." His companions said, "What are they, O Messenger of Allah?" He (pbuh) said, "Glorifying Allah, being grateful to Allah, there is no god except Allah, praising Allah, and there is no power except Allah. Those are the lasting righteous deeds." Imam al-Ulusi said, "Wealth and children accelerate downfall; and remembrance of Allah is not like that. Wealth may bring trouble to a person, and a rebellious child neither brings benefit in this world nor in the Hereafter." Thus, the obedience to Allah and Muhammad (pbuh) are the true qualities of manhood.

4.     Loyalty and trustworthiness are also among the qualities of true manhood. When Muhammad (pbuh) emigrated from Mecca to Medina, he (pbuh) left Ali ibn Abi Talib behind in Mecca, to return all trusts to their owners. Later, when Mecca was returned to the Muslims, he (pbuh) gave the key to the Ka'aba to Uthman ibn Talha, and said, "This is your key, O Uthman. Today is the day of keeping the trust."

But when the Muslim ummah lost the morals that Muhammad (pbuh) delivered to them, the ummah lost its strength. A Christian scholar said, "Arabs lost their position when they forgot their morals that were delivered to them, and they became divided, lacking determination, inclined to pleasures and desires."

5.    Being answerable to Allah for the family. Allah says in Surah an-Nisa, verse 34, "Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth." Muhammad (pbuh) said, "Each one of you is a care-taker, and each one of you is answerable for those in his care. A man is care-taker over his family, and is answerable for those in his care.

6.     Humility, forgiveness to full extent, and perfect morals are also required. And this is often forgotten when men remember that they are supposed to be in charge of their families, so take caution. Some men incorrectly think that manhood means winning arguments, sticking to your opinion even if it is wrong, or displaying sternness over their wives and kids so that they treat the ones they are supposed to guide with harshness or cruelty. This is a mistake. The best of all creation, Muhammad (pbuh), was kind and affectionate and forgiving towards his family and towards all mankind. If this did not weaken his position as the leader of the family or of the Muslims, why are we afraid to follow in his (pbuh) example?

So how do we raise our sons to grow into men who exemplify all these manners of manhood as defined above?

1. We should bring them to the gatherings of their elders, so that they may learn wisdom and maturity from them.
2. We should teach our children to be respectful to all humans, especially to their elders. The best way to do this is by example. If we treat our wives disrespectfully in front of our sons, they will learn this habit. Similarly, if we backbite other Muslims in the presence of our youth, they will follow us in this example.
3. We should also show respect to our children and to give them their right in gatherings, and not deny them.
4. We should show our children importance. We should say salaam to them, we should listen to them, and we should give importance to their opinion.
5. We should not dress little boys in silk and gold, because silk and gold are for women and not for men, even if they are still boys.
6. We should tell our children stories of our religion and of the companions of Muhammad (pbuh) in order to teach them perfect etiquette and morals.

Our desire is to inculcate the characteristics of manhood among us so that we are true in regards to our covenant with Allah. And Allah knows best.

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Islamic Shari'ah (sharia law)

Allah, to Whom all praise and glory is due, says in Surah Ash-Shuraa, verse 13:

Allah  has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus - to establish the religion and not be divided therein.

And Allah says in Surah al Ma'idah, verse 48, "So judge between the people by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method [a way of life]."

Dear brothers and sisters,

Our topic today, Allah willing, is the Islamic Shari'ah. I selected this topic on two accounts: First, some non-Muslims attack Islam and Muslims due to their misunderstandings of Islamic Shari'ah, often calling it "sharia law" or "creeping shariah"; and second, some Muslims also do not understand the meaning of sharia law. Therefore, we will discuss:

1. What is the meaning of sharia law?
2. What is the relationship between sharia law with the law of Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them both)?
3. When are the punishments, such as cutting off the hand or stoning the adulterer, applicable?
4. What are the requirements for the application of sharia law?
5. Is sharia law applicable to non-Muslims?

It is only appropriate that a person does not open his mouth on something until and unless he has clearly understood its meanings. Unfortunately, many news programs and politicians talk about sharia law without understanding it. The result is a general misunderstanding regarding what sharia really is.

Sharia law is what Allah, to Whom all praise and glory is due, has ordained for Muslims. It includes belief, acts of worship (prayers, fasting, charity, etc), morals (truth, trustworthiness, kindness), and the etiquette of dealing with people, such as visiting the sick and how to greet one another. Sharia law includes all that Allah has ordained for us in all walks of life to ensure our success in this world and the Hereafter.

As we ponder over sharia law, we discover that its sources are commandments from Allah delivered to Muhammad (pbuh). Similarly, we see that Allah also sent his sharia to the previous prophets (pbut). So, Moses (pbuh) came with sharia for his people, and Jesus (pbuh) also came with sharia, and similarly, Muhammad (pbuh) came with sharia. These sharia agree and complement each other in some ways, as they are all from Allah, and they also differ in other ways, according to the place and time of the revelation. Allah's law are all in agreement in the following:

1. Beliefs: Every sharia testifies to only One creator and sustainer, and that is Allah.
2. Morals: Every sharia emphasizes good morals. Every messenger instructed his people to have morals of truth, honesty, and trust, and all forbade falsehood, theft, and oppression. Therefore, every messenger (pbut) ordained good morals and forbid bad morals.

Moses (pbuh) ordained the Ten Commandments to his people, and these are found in the Torah/Old Testament. Jesus (pbuh) also confirmed them when he said in the book of Matthew, 5:17:

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

The Ten Commandments include:

1. You shall have no other gods before Me. This is equal to the belief in Islam that shirk (associating partners with Allah) is a great sin and against Allah's sharia.
2. You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. Muslims have a very similar belief regarding statues and other images.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. This means to not take a false oath by the name of Allah, and Muslims believe this as well.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Muslims do not go to the extreme of not working at all on our day of worship, but we are still ordered to stop what we are doing and worship Allah for Allah's sake alone.
5. Honor your father and your mother. Muslims have a similar command, except the mother is owed much more honor than the father since she gives part of her life to bring her children into this world.
6. You shall not murder. Indeed, Muslims have the exact same order as the Jews and Christians regarding this.
7. You shall not commit adultery. Again, same order.
8. You shall not steal. Ditto.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Ditto.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s. And this also applies to the Muslim.

Similar to these commandments given to Moses and Jesus (pbut), Allah gave us commandments in the Qur'an:

Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason." [Surah al-'An'aam, verse 151]

and

do not approach the orphan's property except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge any soul except [with that within] its capacity. And when you testify, be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative. And the covenant of Allah fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember. [Surah al-'An'aam, verse 152]

and

O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful. [Surah an-Nisa, verse 29]

 Allah also said, "this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous."

So, the divine laws, including sharia law, are based on the revealed books - the Torah, the Gospel, and the Qur'an. And in Islam, sharia law also comes from the hadiths, the sayings and actions of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh). These sharias differ in other ways, regarding how to pray, or how to deal with people, and the laws of inheritance. Islamic sharia confirms many previous rulings in some areas and differs in others. That is why Allah said:

Allah has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus -   to establish the religion and not be divided therein.

This verse points to the similarities of the sharias of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The next verse points to their differences:

To each of you We prescribed a law and a method [a way of life].

At-Tabari explained that this verse means, "To every nation we revealed the right way, and a clear way of life to follow." Similarly, ibn Abbas explained, "The ways of life are different. The Torah has a shariah, the Bible has a shariah, and the Qur'an has a shariah, and all of them are from Allah".

An important question is this: Does sharia law only include punishments? The answer is no. Punishments (hudood) are only a very small part of sharia law. We need to remove these misunderstandings. First, there are four punishments in sharia law:

1. Punishment for sex outside of marriage
2. Punishment for false accusation (one who accuses a man or woman of having sex outside of marriage who is unable to produce four just, trustworthy witnesses to the physical act of penetration)
3. Punishment for greater theft (rebellion)
4. Punishment for theft.

 So, we have four punishments, and also retribution (an eye for an eye). There are ten verses in the Qur'an that announce these punishments and retribution. Two are from Surah al-Baqarah, four from Surah al-Maidah, four from Surah an-Noor. That's ten verses. Ten verses from a total 6236 verses mention these punishments. So, why do pundits and commentators leave 6226 verses and only discuss these ten verses? In fact, the whole of the Qur'an is sharia law, and this includes belief, worship, morals, and etiquette.

The verses in the Qur'an that deal with punishments were not revealed in the beginning of the revelation, but towards the end of it, as Surah al-Maidah is among the last of the Surahs that was revealed. So, before Muhammad (pbuh) applied the punishments, he (pbuh) applied the rest of Islam! When charity has been established, meaning it is collected from the rich and given to the poor, there is no need to steal if he is already receiving support from the wealth of the Muslims.

Let's look at this issue further. The punishment for stealing is to cut off the hand. But applying this punishment has a very strict set of conditions.

First, we need to ensure all the teachings of Islam are in practice. For example, we cannot leave the practice of collecting the obligatory charity before applying the punishment for stealing. An example is found in Umar ibn al-Khattab. When he was the leader of the faithful, he inquired to one of his governors, "What do you do when a thief is brought to you?" The governor said, "I cut off his hand." Umar said, "Then, if a hungry person from your district comes to me, I should order the cutting of your hand! I did not appoint you to humiliate the people or to put them into poverty. I appointed you to remove their hunger, and to promote justice among them." From this hadith we understand that if a person steals out of hunger or desperation of poverty, it is not permissible to chop his hand off according to sharia.

In fact, Umar withheld the punishment for stealing in a year of extreme hardship, when the people were facing a famine. For an entire year Umar ordered that no one be subjected to the usual punishment for stealing because the thief might be a needy person in dire straights. This is in line with Muhammad's (pbuh) order in sharia law: Remove the punishments in the case of doubt.

Islam has ordered the ruler to feed the people, and to teach the ignorant in the matters of religion, and to take care of the orphan, and to tend to the sick, and to provide shelter for the homeless. Then, and only then, if a person steals not due to some need but due to mischief, the punishment of stealing will be applicable to him or her. But we should remember that in order to apply the punishment, the thief must have stolen a significant amount. The punishment of chopping off the hand is not applicable if someone stole an insignificant amount, such as $20 here in America. The person who stole must not have stake of ownership, so the punishment will not be given to the one who teals from his father's house, and punishment will not be given to a person who steals from the treasury of the Muslims. In such cases, a lesser punishment, such as time in prison, may be given. This is called Tadheer.

Furthermore, punishment cannot be given to an ignorant person, one who does not know what is permissible and what is forbidden. In this regard, sharia law is more merciful than the law of the United States, because the argument that one is ignorant of the law is not a valid argument in America.

The next condition, and this is a very important one, is that the punishment can only be determined and ordered by the ruler, and not by the people among themselves, and the ruler can only apply them after going through all the criteria. So honor killings, the practice of killing relatives, in particular girls, for possibly committing adultery, is not a killing of honor but an outright murder. Muslims absolutely cannot take matters into their own hands regarding these punishments. If they cannot resolve the situation among themselves, they must go to the local authority and argue their case there, and be willing to accept whatever punishment (if any) the ruler decides. So here in America, because we have no authority on sharia who is in charge and can decide the punishment, there is no sharia punishment for any of these offenses. Instead we rely on the government of the United States to do with these cases as they see fit.

Finally, we must answer the question that many people answer for themselves incorrectly. Can sharia law be applied to non-Muslims? The answer is "No." Non-Muslims, whether they are Jews or Christians or Hindus or Buddhists are not required to follow Islamic sharia law. Sharia law is only for Muslims. So these claims that Muslims are trying to slowly implement sharia, also known as creeping sharia, are absolutely false.

Dear brothers and sisters, we should not be unfair to Islam, or to sharia law, and we should not believe that sharia means only chopping off hands, or lashing people, or stoning them. Sharia also means to take care of orphans, to give charity, to help the needy, to take care of the sick, and to give shelter to the homeless. Similarly, sharia orders us to be kind and just to parents, neighbors, and non-Muslims.

Sharia law is a whole, not a part. Only when the above conditions have been fulfilled is it then permissible to apply punishment to the Muslims who break the commandments, since they are the transgressors.

I invite all of you, my brothers and sisters in Islam, to learn the correct sharia law and understand its meanings, and advise you not to discuss sharia if you don't understand it. I wish to make an important point that Islam is a religion of mercy, and Muhammad (pbuh) was a prophet of mercy. Muhammad (pbuh) told us a story of a woman who entered the hellfire because she locked up an unwanted cat without food or water, and it died of hunger. So, when Islam gives so much importance to the right of a mere animal, and forbids torturing them, does it make sense for Islam to be cruel to the best of creations - humans - whom Allah has honored?

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Relationship Between the Oneness of Allah and Standing Firm in the Religion

Allah, to Whom all praise and glory is due, says in the Holy Qur'an, Surah Fussilat, verses 30-32:

Surely, those who say, "Our Lord is only Allah", and thereafter stand firm on it, the angels will descend [at death] on them [saying], "Do not fear or grieve, and receive the glad tidings of paradise, which you have been promised! We [the angels] are your friends in this life of this world and the hereafter. You will find in it what your souls desire and you will find in it what you ask for: a hospitable gift from [Allah], the Forgiving, the Merciful."

Previously I described the meaning of "Standing Firm in the Religion of Allah". The actions I described show that a Muslim is firm in his religion, and I described what can help a Muslim be firm in the religion. Here is a summary from this topic:

Standing firm in religion means following the dictates of the Qur'an and the Sunnah in all walks of life: in words, in deeds, and in adherence to the correct beliefs. The actions that demonstrate a person's firmness in religion include:

1. Completing acts of worship completely, sincerely, and properly for Allah and Allah alone
2. Listening and obeying the commands of Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him)
3. Performing extra, non obligatory acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity
4. Serving the cause of Islam with time, money, and effort
5. Living in the company of the Qur'an through recitation, listening, reflecting over its verses, and following its commandments 

The factors that facilitate standing firm in the religion are many. The most important of them are:

1. The fear and awareness of Allah
2. Knowledge that we were created to worship Allah alone and to stand firm in the faith of Allah

This sermon will continue this previous topic, and God willing will describe:

1. The relationship between standing firm and Tawheed, the Arabic word for the Oneness of Allah
2. The benefits of staying firm in the religion of Allah
3. The answer to the question, "We can never be completely firm in our religion, so what should we do?"

There is a firm relationship between the Tawheed of Allah and standing firm in His religion. The two cannot be separated. Tawheed is false without firmness of the religion, and the firmness in religion cannot be achieved without Tawheed. That is why all the messengers of Allah (peace be upon them all) invited mankind to the Tawheed of Allah and standing firm in the religion of Allah.

Allah says to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as follows in the Holy Qur'an, Surah Fussilat, verse 6:

Say: "I am only a human being like you. It is revealed to me that your Lord is one Allah, therefore stand firm in His path, and ask for Allah's forgiveness."

The first commandment here is "your Lord is one Allah", and this defines the Tawheed of Allah. The second commandment is, "stand firm in Allah's path," and this describes the firmness in the religion of Allah.

When Pharaoh challenged Moses (peace be upon him) and declared, "I am your Lord, most high", Moses (pbuh) responded, "Allah is my Lord, your Lord, and Lord of the worlds." So, Pharaoh, in his arrogance, decided, according to Surah Ghaafir, verse 26:

Let me kill Moses, and let me call his Lord (to stop me)! Surely, I fear that he may change your religion, or that he may cause mischief in the land.

Thus, Pharaoh wanted to kill Moses (pbuh) because Moses (pbuh) presented him the Tawheed, the Oneness of Allah, and he was firm in His religion.

Additionally, because of Abraham's (pbuh) declaration of Tawheed and his firmness in the religion of Allah, his people wanted to burn him in the fire. Allah tells us about this event in Surah al anbya, verses 68-69, of His Qur'an:

"Burn him and help your gods, if you intend to do something about it." But Allah ruined their plan as Allah commanded to the fire: "O fire! Be cool and safe for Abraham!"

Because of their profession of Tawheed and their firmness in the religion of Allah, Prophet Muhammad's companions were tortured and forced to leave Mecca. Their only crime was declaring "Our Lord is only Allah".

Accordingly, when a Muslim is faced with a trial in regards to his or her wealth, family, or honor, he or she should say, "My Lord is only Allah", stand firm in these words, and persist on virtuous deeds, as Muhammad (pbuh) has advised: "Say, 'I believe in Allah' and then stand firmly upon it, or say, 'My Lord is Allah,' and then stand firmly upon it. Similarly Allah advised Muhammad (pbuh), and through him to the community of Muslims in Surah Hud, verse 112:

So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allah ], and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do.

Al Qashiri narrated that a pious person saw Muhammad (pbuh) in his dream and he said, "O messenger of Allah! We have learned that you said, 'Surah Hud and its sisters caused me to grow older.' So, what was it in Surah Hud that caused you to grow older?" Muhammad (pbuh) replied, "The words of Allah that said, 'So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, and those who have turned back with you, and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do. Do not incline towards those who do wrong, lest the fire should touch you, and you will not have any protector other than Allah, nor will you be helped.'"

It is so because the above surah mentions paradise and hellfire, and the affairs of the Day of Judgment. So when the questioner asked Muhammad (pbuh) in his dream, he (pbuh) responded that Surah Hud caused Muhammad (pbuh) to grow older, since in it Allah commanded Muhammad (pbuh) to stand absolutely firm in the religion.

As standing firm in the religion of Allah is intimately related to the Tawheed of Allah, it carries several virtues for the Muslim who is steadfast and firm in the religion. Among these virtues are the following:

1.  The angels descend on a such a person with tranquility and serenity in this world, at the time of entering the grave, and during reckoning in the grave. This is the meaning of saying of Allah:

Surely, those who say, "Our Lord is only Allah", and thereafter stand firm on it, the angels will descend (at death) on them (saying), "Do not fear or grieve, and receive the glad tidings of paradise, which you have been promised!

Waki said, "The glad tiding is for three occasions: at the time of death, in the grave, and at the time of resurrection. The angels assist them with serenity and tranquility and give them the glad tidings of paradise.

2.   Standing firm in the religion opens the heart to virtue and leads to a pious life. Allah, to Whom all praise and glory is due, says in Surah an Nisa, verse 124:

And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.

A person who is firm in the religion is rewarded with a pious life and a great reward in the hereafter from Allah.

3.   People love to honor the person who stands firm in the religion of Allah. It is so because the hearts of the people are between the two fingers of Allah, and He turns them the way He desires. So when a Muslim stands firm in the religion of Allah, Allah causes the people to love and honor him or her.

4.  Standing firm in religion stops the Muslim from committing sins. A steadfast person realizes that Allah is ever watchful over him or her, so he or she fears Allah, alone and in company, and protects the body from sinful acts, because of his or her firmness in the religion of Allah.

5.  Standing firm in the religion causes the abundance of sustenance in this world. Allah says in Surah al Jinn, verse 16:

And [ Allah revealed] that if they had remained straight on the way, We would have given them water in abundance.

The meaning of 'water in abundance' is the provisions of life. It is not only the abundance, but also the blessings with it. Even though the wealth might be small, with blessings from Allah it will become bountiful. So it is immaterial whether the sustenance is small or big, Allah will bless it and cause it to grow, and that is only for those of His servants who are firm in His religion.

Ibn Taimiyya said, "The highest miracle is to stand firm in the religion. Walking on water or floating in the air has no sanction of approval from Allah, unless the person is steadfast in the commandments of Allah with respect to the permissible and not permissible. When he is steadfast in religion, that that is his miracle."

The following are some actions that prevent a person from being firm in the religion of Allah. I describe them so you are mindful and stay way from them:

1. When a person falls easily into sins, and continues to do so, it develops a sickness in the heart, and removes him or her away from Allah's mercy. The sins prevent the Muslim from being firm in the religion.
2. Preferring this world over the hereafter is also a problem. Muhammad (pbuh) said, "I do not fear poverty for you; rather, I fear that the world will expand for you, as it expanded for the people before you. So you will breathe it in, as they breathed it in, and it will destroy you as it destroyed them.
3. Having bad company will prevent the Muslim from standing firm in the religion. Evil company, whether at work, in the family, or among the friends, will prevent a person from standing firm in the religion. Allah says, "Do not incline towards those who do wrong, lest the fire should touch you, and you will not have any protector other than Allah, nor will you be helped."

The final question is whether standing firm in the religion means an absence of mistakes. And whether a Muslim who commits a sin loses firmness in the religion?

The answer is that the meaning of standing firm in the religion of Allah, with respect to us humans, does not imply complete absence of sins. Muhammad (pbuh) said, "Every son of Adam commits mistakes, and the best of those who commit mistakes are the ones who repent." We therefore are incapable of being free from mistakes and sins, as complete absence from sins is only for the prophets of Allah (peace be upon them all). As Allah has commanded His servants to stand firm on religion, He has also commanded them to ask for His forgiveness. This shows that when the firmness in religion is compromised due to making a mistake or committing a sin, asking for forgiveness will repair it.

Furthermore, Muhammad (pbuh) said, "Fear Allah as much as in your capacity, and follow a bad deed with a good deed. That will erase it." Muhammed (pbuh) informed us by this saying that we are going to fall short in standing firm in the religion, and he (pbuh) therefore advised us to stay as close to firmness as possible. Although we may not achieve complete firmness, we will achieve as much as is in our capacity, Allah willing.

Muhammad (pbuh) said, "Stand firm on religion, but you will not be able to achieve it. And know that the best of your deeds is the mandatory prayers, and only a believer guards his ablution." This means that Muslims are asked to be firm in the religion as much as in their capacity. Allah, to Whom all praise and glory is due, is capable of compensating for our shortcomings, and Allah spoke the truth when He said:

So you, (O Prophet,) stand firm and straight in the religion as you are commanded and those who turn in repentance, and do not transgress. Surely, Allah is all-Seer of what you do. Do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest the fire should touch you, and then you will not have any protector other than Allah, nor will you be helped."

And Allah knows best.

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